Outdoor enthusiasts rush to California to tackle world-famous routes like Half Dome. Hikes in the state span sweeping city views, breathtaking coastline, and rugged mountainous terrain.
Regardless of your experience or fitness level, there’s a hike in California for everyone.
These are the most epic hikes in California, ranging from casual strolls to intense trails that push your physical limits to the max.
Hollywood Sign
Hiking to the Hollywood Sign is a quintessential California experience. There are several routes, but Innsdale Drive is the easiest at less than two miles long.
For more of a challenge, hike there via Canyon Drive, a 6-mile trail. You’ll never forget seeing the iconic sign up close and personal and admiring sweeping views of Los Angeles.
Torrey Pines Beach Trail Loop
La Jolla’s Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers many hikes of varying difficulties. The Beach Trail Loop is around two miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, making it an excellent pick for families and beginner hikers. It boasts beautiful oceanfront views—at low tide, you can walk along the beach and dip your toes in the waves.
Half Dome
If you only have time for one hike in California, make it Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. The hike follows 16.5 miles of the John Muir Trail up the massive granite dome.
You’ll pass waterfalls and meadows before reaching the infamous cable route 400 feet below the summit. This portion of the hike involves using steel cables to climb up the steep rock face—a genuinely heart-pumping final ascent.
Eagle Lake Trail
Eagle Lake Trail in Desolation Wilderness is a can’t-miss California hike for all ages. Admire the waterfall, forest, and mountain views while hiking to the lake. You can make this trail a complete afternoon activity by packing a lunch to enjoy on the lakeshore.
Skull Rock
You only have to hike 1.7 miles to see Skull Rock, a legendary Joshua Tree National Park formation. The casual hike, following a gentle path through the rocky desert landscape, is suitable for all ages. Skull Rock is a fascinating landmark and the perfect place to snap family hiking pictures.
Lassen Peak
Are you ready for a challenge? Tackling Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park isn’t for the faint of heart.
This strenuous trail gains almost 2,000 feet in elevation over about five miles. Although the hike is taxing, standing atop an active volcano makes it worthwhile.
Lands End Trail
Gain a new perspective on the Golden Gate Bridge from Lands End Trail. Since it’s relatively short at 3.5 miles, Lands End is popular among hikers of all experience levels. The trail overlooks the Pacific Ocean and offers a glimpse of the world-famous bridge in the distance.
Clouds Rest Trail
Yosemite’s Clouds Rest Trail is a challenging but fulfilling adventure. Experienced hikers will enjoy tackling the over 13-mile-long route from Sunrise Lakes Trailhead to the top of Clouds Rest. It’s physically exhausting, but the mountain scenery you’ll see from the top is unforgettable.
Point Lobos Loop
Hiking along Point Lobos Loop in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers stunning coastal scenery. The trail begins in a forested area and leads to the rocky coastline. Admire views of the ocean and tidal pools while looking for wildlife like sea lions.
Mount Whitney
Experience Mount Whitney on an overnight backpacking trip, or test your endurance by attempting it in a day. The over 21-mile-long trail to the top of this 14,505’ peak is rocky and strenuous. Expect a consistent physical challenge the entire way—give yourself time to acclimate if you aren’t used to hiking at high altitudes.
Vernal and Nevada Falls
Enjoy two waterfalls in one hike along Mist Trail in Yosemite. Starting at Happy Isles Trailhead, the trail steadily gains elevation through the forest.
You’ll first reach Vernal Falls, then continue upwards to Nevada Falls. This hike is difficult but worth tackling once you see the waterfalls in person.
Bridge to Nowhere
Step back in time during your epic journey along East Fork Trail to see the Bridge to Nowhere. This mysterious landmark was built in 1936, though the roads leading there washed away in a flood only two years later. Now, the bridge offers a unique experience for hikers willing to tackle the 9.5-mile-long trail.
Lembert Dome Loop
Lembert Dome Loop is one of the most accessible granite dome hikes in Yosemite. You only need a few hours to complete this trail, which is less than four miles. The sweeping views from the top of the dome are an incredible reward for your physical efforts.
Iron Mountain Trail
Hiking Iron Mountain Trail is the perfect San Diego weekend activity. The almost 6-mile-long route leads to the summit of Iron Mountain. On a clear day, you can admire the surrounding mountains and glimpse distant islands.
Enjoy epic views on the best Alaska hikes
Alaska has many trails worth exploring on your next trip. These are the top hikes for all difficulty levels.
14 Picture-Perfect Hikes in Alaska, From Easy to Challenging
Colorado is a hiker’s paradise
Every nature lover should visit Colorado at least once in their lifetime. Tackle these iconic Colorado hikes to see the state’s best scenery.
15 Breathtaking Hikes in Colorado for All Experience Levels
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
